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Supine Lumbar Rotation Stretch

Beginner
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A bodyweight stretch performed lying on your back that rotates the bent knees to one side to target obliques and lower back, improving spinal mobility and hip flexibility for better posture and injury prevention.

About Exercise

Equipment

Body Weight

Difficulty

1/5 • Beginner

Primary Muscle Groups

Obliques, Lower Back

Popularity Score

7

Goals

Mobility
Stability
Rehab

Training Style

Yoga
Mobility Flow

Setup Requirements

Requires Rack

No

Requires Bench

No

Requires Spotter

No

Space Needed

Small

Noise Level

Low

Muscle Breakdown

Obliques

9/10

External Obliques, Internal Obliques

Lower Back

8/10

Erector Spinae

Glutes

6/10

Glute Max, Glute Medius

Programming

Typical Rep Range

2-10 reps

Rest Between Sets

30-60 seconds • Between sides for recovery

How to Perform

Lie flat on your back on a mat with knees bent, feet flat hip-width apart, and arms extended out to sides in a T shape with palms down.

  1. Engage core to maintain neutral spine.
  2. Slowly drop bent knees together to one side while keeping shoulders on the floor.
  3. Feel gentle stretch in lower back and hips; hold for 5-30 seconds.
  4. Breathe deeply and relax into the stretch.
  5. Return knees to center with control.
  6. Repeat on the opposite side.

Coaching Tips

Form Cues

  • Keep shoulders grounded
  • Knees together
  • Breathe into the twist
  • Relax hips
  • Neutral spine
  • Gentle only

Breathing

Inhale to prepare, exhale as you rotate into the stretch, and continue deep breaths while holding.

Tempo

2-0-10

Range of Motion

Rotate knees until you feel a gentle stretch in lower back, stopping short of shoulder lift or pain; hips and shoulders aligned.

Safety

Safety Notes

  • Avoid if acute back pain, disc issues, or sciatica; consult professional
  • Stop at any sharp pain or pinching
  • Use cushion under knees if limited mobility
  • Engage core to stabilize
  • Not for recent spinal surgery

Spotting

No spotting required; self-monitor for comfort and form.

Common Mistakes

  • Lifting shoulders off floor
  • Forcing rotation beyond comfort
  • Bouncing or using momentum
  • Arching lower back
  • Rotating too quickly

When to Avoid

  • Acute lower back injury
  • Bulging or herniated disc
  • Sciatica
  • Recent spinal surgery
  • Hip impingement

Flexibility Needed

  • Basic shoulder and hip flexibility
  • Ability to lie supine comfortably

Build Up First

  • Familiarity with supine position
  • Core awareness

Also known as

Supine Spinal Rotation, Lower Back Rotation Stretch, Supine Twist Stretch

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